Posts Tagged ‘birthdays’

Birthday Boy

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Over the weekend, we celebrated Hudson’s third birthday! It is unbelievable to me that the little baby I brought home from the hospital is now a handsome, on-the-go, hilarious young man. He loves to watch Peppa Pig and play any game with his sister. He tries new food happily—if he’s in the right mood. He likes to write with chalk (particularly the letter A), ride his tricycle, and blow bubbles—basically anything as long as it’s outdoors.

It’s not easy keeping up with such an active dude, but it sure is fun—and interesting. Now that Hudson has started school, I know that he will continue to grow and develop a life that’s independent of me. It’s not always easy to face that fact, but I’m also enormously proud of him.

I can’t wait to see what the year of three will bring for Hudson. I’m sure there will be plenty of giggles, some tears, and wonderful moments. And what I hope for most of all: finally going consistently in the potty.

Have a great week, everyone!

Seven

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Today is Tate’s seventh birthday. We jokingly call him our “little firecracker.” Born the day after 4th of July, Tate is our strong willed, big-hearted, silly guy that we love so much. He makes everybody laugh with his funny antics, but his spontaneity will keep you on edge. You never know what you’ll get with Tate, but you do know life won’t be boring.

Over the last seven years, I’ve had a lot of happy moments with Tate and a lot of challenging moments with Tate. He loves to cuddle on the couch and always gives me a goodnight kiss. He also knows how to push my buttons and test every behavioral boundary we set. As much as he can stress me out, this is our Tate and I love him, even when he pushes the limit. He has a lovable determination when he takes on a task. His focus is hilarious, and if he wants something he is a real go-getter.

I look forward to this year with Tate. He is growing up and turning into a big kid. He has his own opinions and ideas about things. He organizes play dates, and selling lemonade. Every day, he surprises me with a new joke, word, or experiment he tried. Tate makes me laugh out loud. I am blessed to have a kid who loves life the way he does. It’s been a great 7 years, and I look forward to many more birthday celebrations.

 

Double Digits

Wednesday, May 31st, 2017

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Today is Jack’s tenth birthday. I can’t fathom how that is possible. He is extremely excited to be double digits, a whole decade, and a rising fifth grader.

I think ten is a magical age. Jack’s no longer a little boy, but not yet a teenager. Although he is concerned about his hairstyle looking perfect, and he prefers to walk into school by himself, he still likes his mommy to tuck him in at night. That makes my heart happy. Jack has experienced a lot in his 10 years of life. More than I did for sure. He inspires us daily with his kind heart and his silly sense of humor.

We plan to celebrate the day with some pool fun, cake, and a movie. Jack gets to pick where we go to dinner, and I made him a cake. I’m looking forward to the next decade of Jack’s life. He has already made us so very proud.

 

 

Ongoing Birthday Celebration

Monday, April 10th, 2017

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Over the weekend, we threw Haley’s 6th princess birthday party. We had it here at the house. There was face painting, balloon sculpting, and cotton candy. Rapunzel was here. So were twenty of Haley’s closest friends—all dressed as princesses. It was two days ago, and I’m still recovering. Haley already said she wants a party just like this one for when she turns 7! I told her I’m not ready to even think about that yet.

The girls loved the party, and I was so glad. The adults had a wonderful time, too. I was pleasantly surprised by how well behaved the girls were. I may be showing a little of my gender-bias here, but I don’t think it would have gone quite as smoothly if we added just as many boys to the mix. The girls focused on their entertainment, so the grown-ups were able to relax, eat, drink and be merry. That doesn’t always happen at these parties.

Most importantly, Haley loved it. I have always been a ‘birthday person’ and I’m happy to pass that ideal onto my child. It’s not about being self-centered—it’s the opposite, in fact; it’s the idea that all people deserve to be honored just for being who they are. I love celebrating the kids’ birthdays because I like to reminisce about the days they were born and how I became a mom. We have more birthday fun planned this week! That’s another tradition of mine—birthday celebrations that go on forever. Because why not?

Have a fun week!

Today’s the Day

Monday, April 3rd, 2017

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Today Haley turns six years old! I can’t believe it. It seems like yesterday she was just a little baby. Now she’s a sassy kid with very strong opinions about what to eat, what to wear and what to do. She has truly come into her own. She is kind to her friends. She is great at math. She is the best big sister in the world.

Yesterday I said to Haley, “I can’t believe you’re not going to be five anymore” with a frown on my face. She touched my arm a little impatiently and said, “Mom. It’s okay.” She is very funny and mature beyond her years.

I realize the years go by so fast, but this birthday really got to me. Six just sounds so old. The fact that I’m the mother of a six year old means I must have learned something by now. Yet it’s all truly a journey. As she grows up, I learn more about children and life. I always feel nervous about the challenges she will encounter, but as time goes by, I’m starting to enjoy the process. To not only feel nerves, but excitement for what’s to come. I know Haley will continue to face life with determination, hard work and laughter. So I will do the same.

Happy Birthday

Friday, January 13th, 2017

Dearest Rory and Charlotte:

It is hard to believe you are now four and two.  I can still remember almost every hour of the days you were born (and the weeks leading up to it).  I remember the first hours of your lives, and the first harrowing days at home with each of you.

It is true what they say about parenting.  The days are long, but the years are short.  And here I am, living it.

You are each at the threshold of pivotal years.  Charlotte-  you will continue to find your voice, develop your independence, and cross over from toddler to little girl.  Rory- you will continue your hunger for learning, start to read, and begin your final year of pre-school.  You will both change schools, and you will both make new friends and try to keep up with old ones.

My wishes for you both in this coming year are simple.  I hope you are able nurture your boundless curiosity each day with new lessons, sights, and experiences.  I hope you continue to be selfless and give of yourselves to those in need, whether through thoughtful hugs or listening ears.  I hope you observe and embrace all that is good and caring and carefully reject and avoid hate and animosity.

I hope you continue your ability to make both me and your father want to be better people.  And I hope that I am able to be the best mom for each of you, almost every day (because let’s face it, EVERY day may be hard).

Happy Birthday, kiddos.  I love you both to the moon and back.

 

Partied Out

Monday, December 19th, 2016

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Haley was invited to a friend’s birthday party at a local bowling alley yesterday. Shortly before it was time to leave, Haley announced, “I don’t even want to go!” This happens occasionally. Haley gets tired, or cranky, or hungry—or all of the above—and decides she’s not up for socializing. I finally convinced her that we should at least stop by and drop off a present since we had committed to go.

In the car on the way over, Haley continued negotiations. She finally said that she would only stay “for two seconds.” Well, we got to the party. Immediately, a friend from school gave her a big hug and implored Haley to change into her bowling shoes. Haley did and began her game. A few minutes later, I pulled Haley aside and said, “ready to go?” Haley laughed and ran back to her friends. We stayed until the end of the party.

Haley also attended a birthday party on Saturday, so I guess she was just a bit tired by Sunday. I’ve told her that being invited to plenty of parties is a good problem to have. She retorts, “I just don’t know why everyone likes me too much.” Let’s hope that’s the extent of her social issues for a good, long while! And that she’s always willing to lighten up and enjoy a good party.

Big Boy

Monday, September 26th, 2016

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Hudson just turned two years old. I can’t believe it! We celebrated with a Spiderman party, including balloons, streamers, and a beautifully designed chocolate mousse cake. Hudson had a good time, but it was Haley who really appreciated the event. She had strong opinions on how we should decorate and when we should eat—and even conducted our singing of ‘happy birthday’. It was sweet how important it was to her that everything went just right for her brother’s big day.

By next year, Hudson might have his own opinions on how his birthday should be celebrated. I wonder if Haley will be able to contribute or if he’ll want total control. If his personality stays the same at all over the next twelve months, he’ll probably be pretty chill about it.

Hudson’s next year will bring an explosion in terms of his development. It’s so neat to see kids “come into their own”. It’s a little bittersweet to imagine him being not quite so clingy to his Mama. At the same time, I look forward to it and I’m immensely proud of every stride he makes. It’s his job to grow and my job to keep up.

Birthday Boy

Wednesday, June 1st, 2016

Nine years ago, I was on the operating room table when I heard my sweet baby Jack crying, and it was the best sound I ever heard. Jack was placed on my chest, and we cried many tears together. Jack made me a mommy, and I’m so grateful for that title.

Jack and I are very close. He has been a momma’s boy since he was an infant. Due to Jack’s father being deployed, it was often just the two of us for the first several years of his life. When Jack is ill, tired, or feeling defeated, he prefers his momma to lean on. I love that we share a special bond together.

Jack is not a little kid anymore. I know his “momma’s boy” years are numbered, but I hope he still stops to hug me from time to time. I’ve watched Jack grow, learn, love, and laugh over the past nine years and it’s a tremendous joy to call him my son. Happy Birthday, Jack!

 

 

Perfect Timing

Friday, January 8th, 2016

From Friday Mom – Erin:
In celebration of her first birthday, Charlotte has brought home a stomach bug from daycare.  Two kids in her class came down with it mid day on Thursday, and by Thursday night our little girl was down for the count.  The timing could not possibly be worse.  We have a joint birthday party planned for both Rory and Charlotte on Saturday afternoon, and we have been diligently scrubbing, washing, and sanitizing everything in the house in blind hope that we can keep Rory from coming down with what is ailing Charlotte.  If we’re lucky, she’ll be feeling better by then.  But I’m not counting on it.

I’ll be calling the party venue in the morning to confirm my fear– that we are likely out the full cost of the party even if neither child can actually attend.  I suppose that will cause me to think twice about going all-out for young kid birthdays.

I am hoping that my pessimism is unfounded and that both kiddos are feeling well by Saturday.  Even if mommy and daddy are down for the count and we have to send them with the grandparents, I’d really like at least Rory to get to enjoy his party.  He’s been talking about it pretty much non-stop for the better part of the last month, and I know he will be absolutely devastated if he can’t attend.

As hard as the past day has been and the next 48-hours may be, I know these are truly minor problems in the grand scheme of things.  With the exception of the virus of the hour, our children are both happy and healthy.  They bring home their fair share of germs and the juggling act of caring for them when they get sick while managing two full time jobs can be quite a load to bear.  But the good far exceeds the bad, and I just try to remind myself of just how lucky we are.  Even if we are up to our elbows in dirty laundry.